What is penetration testing?
This is a simulated attack on a system, network or application to assess there vulnerability to a cyber attack.
Penetration testing (Pen Testing) is a simulated cyber attack on a system, network, or application to find security weaknesses before hackers do. It helps organizations improve their cyber defenses by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities.
Key Goals of Penetration Testing:
✅ Identify security gaps before real attackers exploit them.
✅ Test an organization’s ability to detect and respond to attacks.
✅ Ensure compliance with standards like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.
✅ Prevent financial loss from potential data breaches.
Types of Penetration Testing:
- Network Penetration Testing – Examines firewalls, routers, and network security.
- Web Application Penetration Testing – Tests websites and web applications for vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).
- Wireless Penetration Testing – Analyzes Wi-Fi networks and wireless devices.
- Social Engineering – Simulates phishing attacks and other human-targeted exploits.
- Physical Penetration Testing – Tests physical security measures like building access controls.
Penetration Testing Methods:
- Black Box Testing – No prior knowledge of the system; mimics an external hacker.
- White Box Testing – Full knowledge of the system; used for deep security audits.
- Gray Box Testing – Partial knowledge of the system; simulates an insider attack.
Who Conducts Penetration Tests?
Certified professionals like:
🔹 Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH)
🔹 Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP)
🔹 GIAC Penetration Testers (GPEN)
How Often Should You Conduct a Pen Test?
🔄 At least once a year or after major system changes.